Holland survive Moldova scare

Holland narrowly defeated Moldova on Wednesday evening, 2-1. Van Bommel scored the winning goal just minutes from the end. Holland's first goal was made by Van Nistelrooy. Rafael van der Vaart was substituted in the 75th minute for Van Hooijdonk. The midfielder who played shortly behind strikers Kluivert and Van Nistelrooy worked hard, but was insufficiently involved by his team mates.

Four days after the disappointing draw against the Czech Republic Mark van Bommel's long-distance effort prevented that Moldova would gain their first point in the qualification for Euro 2004: 1-2.

Holland seemd lethargic against the football dwarfs of Europe. It was impossible to tell that most players have played together for many years.

After four succesful stints as a substitute, Rafael van der Vaart started his first international match as the most offensive-minded midfielder to help set up strikers Ruud van Nistelrooy and Patrick Kluivert. Ajax's super talent saw very few passes coming his way, however.